As of 6:00 p.m. ET, no catastrophic loss among the Alliance family in Florida has been reported. The nearly 2,700 residents of our two retirement centers, Shell Point Retirement Community in Fort Myers and the Alliance Community for Retirement Living (ACRL) in DeLand, are safe and well cared for.
Shell Point reports only one minor structural issue and little or no storm surge. Power is down in the evacuation shelter due to problems with two of the back-up generators. Efforts are currently under way to relocate residents back to their homes. ACRL reports having power in the health care buildings, but not yet restored in houses and apartments. Downed trees are currently blocking two roads in the community.
Cape Alliance Church in Cape Coral reports a downed light pole and minor roof damage. Over the past two days, the church has become a refuge for burrowing owls that have been flooded out of their homes–a beautiful metaphor for how God created His Church to be a sanctuary for those displaced by the storms of life.
Much assessing remains to be made to Alliance churches and residences throughout Florida. But the reports received so far of little damage and only minor storm surges represent miraculous interventions by our watchful Father. As we praise Him for his protection and provision, let us continue to pray:
- That Irma will continue to lose intensity and die off as it moves in its northward path
- For those in Florida and surrounding states who may still be in danger of storm surge and tornados
- For those who are displaced or whose homes have been flooded or damaged
- For a strong Alliance family response in demonstrating Christ’s love to those who have suffered loss